Principle of Aquaculture (1+1)

3.1.4.2. Biological basis of polyculture

Common fish species in Indian polyculture are catla, rohu, mrigal, silver carp, grass carp and common carp, and this system is sometimes called as composite fish culture. The biological basis of polyculture is different fish species grow together in a pond with difference in feeding and living behavour.

The principal requirements of the different species in combination for polyculture are

• They must be different in feeding habits
• They should occupy different columns in a pond system
• They should attain marketable size at the same time
• They should be non predatory in behaviour